TOOLS & RESOURCES

Are you sitting down right now? If so, you could be raising your triglycerides and lowering your life expectancy.

Mounting research is proving that sloth is indeed one of the seven deadly sins. In particular, the more time you spend sitting on your rear, the higher your levels of triglycerides and other risk factors associated with heart disease, diabetes, and, um, mortality.

Test Your Triglycerides IQ

Many factors increase your risk of developing high triglycerides. The good news is that several are wholly or partly within your control. By changing your behavior, you may be able to reduce your risk.

Obesity -- the term for excess body fat -- has a large impact on triglycerides. The risk is particularly high if you carry extra pounds around your waist. Being obese often goes hand in hand with lack of exercise. But whatever your weight, physical inactivity also increases the chance of a triglyceride problem.

Excessive alcohol -- more than two drinks a day for men or one drink for women -- is linked to high triglycerides as well. Other lifestyle factors that may play a part include cigarette smoking and, in some people, a high-carbohydrate diet.

Did You Know?

Answer: False. The form of exercise that lowers triglycerides is aerobic activity, which gets you breathing harder and your heart beating faster. Adults should get at least 2.5 hours a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.